Christmas Tradition

 One of our Christmas Traditions, for the last 16 or 17 years is to go the the Hunter Valley for the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Light Spectacular.

We've done it in a huge group of 10 other families, taking over the resort pool, in smaller groups and then just with a friend and our youngest child.

I was surprised we were there until closing this time, as apparently it never gets old.

There were a lot of new light displays this time, and I really loved these dazzling reflections. 

This time, as well as the crazy amount of cicadas, there were rabbits everywhere. 

I get up early and look for kangaroos to shoot (with my camera) but alas this trip I'd not charge the battery and it ran out. However, it's always a lovely break and I even got time by the quiet adult pool to read while they played tennis and roamed around.

We shall see if this is our last time in 12 months. I have to say, it's a great way to relax in the lead up to Christmas.

Linking with #WildbirdWednesday

That's what's been on my calendar.

Linking with #WBOYC

Merry Christmas to you all. Stay safe on the roads, remember the double demerits and see you next year!

Note the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Light Spectacular is on until 26th January. 

Linking with #WeekendReflection #WaterThursday  #TravelTuesday #MCoW #WednesdayAroundtheWorld #SundayBest #NaturesNotes #SatuurdayCritters #GardenAffair   #AwwMondays #WWOT #ThruMyLens

#SkyWatch & #GaleriaHimmelsBlick

I'll be off for a few weeks. My Insta will be updated but that's it.

Just an aside, remember that it's okay to have boundaries with family and friends at Christmas. Shut down conversations that are unacceptable. Old family patterns do not need to be tolerated. Criticism of lifestyle or partners do not require you to keep the peace. If you've lost someone, it's okay to be sad.

It's also okay to blow the whole thing off if you aren't up for it. 

For those in a good place, make sure you invite those alone along to your celebrations. They can say no. Don't decide for them what they will like. Sometimes the invite means the more than the event.

Christmas is a really hard time for a lot of people. It's up to us to help. Make that the core of your Christmas spirit.